Places to Visit:

Fern Ridge Reservoir

Our reservoir has many features which include: camping, swimming, water-skiing, world class sailing, and an abundance of wildlife to observe. In addition, fishing for crappie, cutthroat trout, largemouth black bass, and catfish is excellent in early spring. This lake was formed when the Long Tom River was dammed in 1941. Its southeast shore was designated a wildlife refuge in 1979. The reservoir is located 10 miles west of Eugene on W. 11th Ave. (Hwy 126) or north of Eugene on Hwy 99W to Clear Lake Road. Marinas on the south or north shores are especially coveted by those who sail and windsurf.

The lake is drained in winter to allow for flood control, but the resulting marsh (and wildlife refuge) hosts tree frogs, newts, ospreys, rare purple martins (in spring), black-tailed deer, red foxes, beavers, muskrats, minks, pond turtles, and great blue herons. There are 250 bird species to be observed including tundra swans, northern harriers, Canadian geese, mergansers, and peregrine falcons. Perhaps the most eye-catching are the egrets because of their white plumage and large size.

The wildlife area is closed to the public Jan. 1-March 15 for the protection of wintering birds.

Willamette Valley WineriesJust a short drive to the west, north or south brings you to some of Lane County's better known wineries including LaVelle Vineyards, Hinman Vineyards/Silvan Ridge, King Estate and Chateau Lorane just to name a few. Check out the Wineries of Lane County website for more information.

1996 marked the 150th anniversary (trail blazed in 1846) of the Applegate Trail. Known as the southern route of the Oregon Trail, the Applegate Trail provided an alternative for settlers who wanted to avoid the perils of the Columbia River. Today, Interstate 5 and Highway 99 travel the same route. The Applegate was designated a National Historic Trail by the US Congress on August 3, 1992.

Incorporated in 1962, the City of Veneta is a thriving community of over 5000 people. This area was established by the extension of valley settlement. It now serves as a gateway to the Coast Range, wineries, farmlands, and Fern Ridge Lake. The City of Veneta is located 12 miles west of the Eugene/Springfield Metropolitan Area, in the southwest corner of the beautiful Willamette Valley in Lane County, Oregon. Veneta is located in close proximity to the Fern Ridge reservoir, and is only 45 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 90 miles from the scenic Cascade Mountains.

Each July, the eclectic Oregon County Fair, a genuine original celebration of the music, crafts, and atmosphere of the counter-culture is held here - www.oregoncountryfair.com

Holiday BazaarFriday and Saturday before ThanksgivingEach year the weekend before Thanksgiving the Fern Ridge Area is populated by 30-40 holiday bazaars. Locations include churches, schools, art galleries, business, and more. Maps are distributed in regional papers, local businesses, and at the chamber of commerce office.